Family jewellers from Chislehurst earns place among country's best

A JEWELLERS based in Chislehurst and Westerham has been recognised as one of the top independents in the country.

Family-run Flawless Jewellery was named as number 45 of 50 in Retail Jeweller magazine’s recent Inspiring Independents list not long after receiving a host of other accolades.

Shannon Urwin, 22, who looks after marketing, said the placement has topped off a "fantastic 2013" after the announcement was made this year. She said: "The recognition is incredible – and from such a well-read magazine.

"Being noticed by our peers means a lot. It’s amazing really. It continued a brilliant year for us.

"We were just so thrilled to be included."

It’s not the first time Flawless Jewellery has been nestled among the country’s best, as the boutique was also named in Professional Jeweller magazine’s ‘Hot 100’ last year too.

While in 2012 its owner, Miss Urwin’s stepdad Robert Bicknell, met the Queen as part of a Bromley trader’s event, where he presented Her Majesty with specially designed pieces in commemoration of her Diamond Jubilee.

Mr Bicknell also celebrated his silver anniversary in the industry having started off as an apprentice 25 years ago.

He opened his Chislehurst shop six years ago and saw his Westerham branch arrive not long after.

The 41-year-old said: "Being nominated for and voted as one of Britain’s most inspiring independents is a real honour.

"It is an unbelievably proud achievement for me and Flawless Jewellery, and we are thrilled to have been recognised."

"I couldn't have imagined that I would achieve so much in my career. I couldn't be more proud."

"The awards really are the icing on the cake."

Mr Bicknell’s other stepdaughter, Kaylie Urwin, has been working at Flawless Jewellry since leaving school at 16.

She was also really pleased and said: "It’s great to be a part of such an exciting company. Every day we seem to be doing something different."